Police Officers Group Warns Public of Phony Telephone Solicitors

The Long Beach Police Officers Assn. is warning residents about phony telephone solicitors asking for donations for the family of a policeman who was recently killed while on duty.

An association official confirmed that it is sponsoring an ongoing telephone campaign as part of it regular fund-raising activities, it has no connection to a supposed “Widow and Orphans Fund.” Association President Mike White said his group is not raising any funds for the family of Officer Karl Simons, 26, who was killed Oct. 13 during a high-speed crash on the Long Beach Freeway.

“It is unfortunate that there are organizations which prey on the generosity of the public under circumstances like the death of a police officer,” White said.

Unlike the impostors, White said, actual representatives of the officers group will immediately identify themselves by name. He also pointed out that all telephone solicitors associated with his group are civilians.

To help ensure that their contributions end up in the right hands, White suggested that donors request the association’s phone number, then verify it with a call before committing to a donation.